Aim. The article presents the results of a search for justifications for the presence of stereotypes in everyday practices related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Based on the theoretical perspective of symbolic interactionism, the study analysed two functions of the use of stereotypes as socially negotiated definitions of alcohol consumption situations and the identity of consumers: 1) justifications for the need to drink alcohol – stereotypes create meanings attributed to alcohol, expressing beliefs about its nature and the specifics of its consumption, and defining the framework for situations involving alcohol consumption; 2) protecting drinkers from the premises for self-identification as addicted or falling into addiction, and from the threat of the social label of alcoholism – stereotypes define the rules and boundaries of “safe behaviour.” The analysis allows to realize the impact of stereotypes on the functioning of families with alcohol problems. Methods and materials. The survey was conducted among adults, covering, among other things, issues related to beliefs about alcohol and its consumption. A set of stereotypical statements about alcohol and alcohol addiction was selected and then used to construct questions, which respondents answered using a Likert scale. Results and conclusion. Stereotypes that serve as a justification for drinking are more widely accepted than those that are intended to protect drinkers from the threat of addiction and the label of alcoholism. Attitudes towards stereotypes are independent of age, but are often related to gender and education. Analysis of consumption levels reveals a stereotype-anchored image of a “weekend drinking” culture.